ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
More than 10,000 nominations received for Padma Awards – 2019, process open till 15th September
The last date for online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2019 is September 15, 2018. Already 11,475 Registrations have been made on the website, out of which 10,453 nominations/recommendations completed since the nominations opened on 1st May, 2018.
Nominations have been invited from Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Governments, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Institutes of Excellence as also from several other sources to enable broadbased consideration. The MHA communication dated April 25, 2018 requested them to make concerted efforts in identifying talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized, and make suitable nominations in their favour.
The nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards are being received online only on the Padma portal www.padmaawards.gov.in. All citizens can make nominations/recommendation including self-nomination. The nominations/recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the above said website, including a citation in narrative form , clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements/service of the person recommended in her/his respective field/discipline. While recommending a person online, it should be ensured that all the necessary details are filled properly.
The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.
All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.
The MHA communication requested that efforts may be made to identify talented persons from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons, etc., who deserve to be considered for the award. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.
For further details click 'Awards and Medals' on the Union Home Ministry's website: www.mha.nic.in. The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the Union Home Ministry's website with the link http://padmaawards.gov.in/SelectionGuidelines.aspx
Ministry of Finance
DFS Secretary chairs review meeting with LDMs and SLBC convenors
Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services , Ministry of Finance, chaired a review meeting here today with Lead District Managers  of Aspirational districts and State Level Bankers' Committee  convenors. The review meeting was also attended by senior officials of NITI Aayog, Panchayati Raj, and DFS.
During the meeting, the progress of 112 Aspirational Districts under Targeted Financial Inclusion Intervention Programme  was discussed in detail. The progress of 10 selected districts under Utkarsh programme was also reviewed.
Dr. Joshi appreciated the efforts of SLBCs and LDMs in furthering the drive of Financial Inclusion in the country and requested LDMs and SLBC convenors to utilise the next six months with renewed vigor and zeal to achieve the set milestones.
During the review meeting, it was impressed upon the banks to work on further increase credit penetration in these districts and ensure availability of at least one banking outlet within 5 km of all inhabited villages.
Banks were also requested to run financial literacy camps in villages with the help of Panchayati Raj institutions to further improve the performance of financial inclusion schemes. A reward and recognition program for performing districts and SLBCs was also discussed.
Ministry of Railways
Shri Raosaheb Dadarao Patil Danve, Minister of State for Railways, Coal & Mines and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, flag off provision of halt for train LTT-Gorakhpur Kashi Express at Nandgaon 
Shri Raosaheb Dadarao Patil Danve, Minister of State for Railways, Coal & Mines, Government of India and Dr.Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India flagged off provision of halt to train 15017 LTT-Gorakhpur Kashi Express at Nandgaon  on 14.8.2022.
Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, General Manager, Central Railway welcomed the dignitaries, the Media and passengers through video link from Headquarters Mumbai. Shri Rajesh Kulhari, Divisional Railway Manager, Bhusaval Division presented the vote of thanks. Senior Officials from Headquarters attended the function through video link and Senior Officials from Bhusaval Division were present at Nandgaon railway station.
The following three trains have been given halt at Nandgaon and Lasalgaon for a period of 6 months on experimental basis with effect from 14.8.2022.
At Nandgaon
15017 LTT-Gorakhpur Express will arrive Nandgaon at 11.29 hrs and depart at 11.30 hrs
15018 Gorakhpur-LTT Express will arrive Nandgaon at 11.39 hrs and depart at 11.40 hrs
22177 CSMT-Varanasi Mahanagari Express will arrive Nandgaon at 05.04 hrs and depart at 05.05 hrs
22178 Varanasi-CSMT Mahanagari Express will arrive Nandgaon at 05.39 hrs and depart at 05.40 hrs
At Lasalgaon
11071 LTT-Banaras Kamayani Express will arrive Lasalgaon at 17.37 hrs and depart at 17.38 hrs.
11072 Banaras-LTT Kamayani Express will arrive Lasalgaon at 17.59 hrs and depart at 18.00 hrs
Note: All the above trains journey commencing on  and from 14.8.2022 and passengers may avail the facility.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 790
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Despite Covid-19 Fear, Khadi India’s Flagship CP Outlet Records sale of Rs 1.02 crore on Gandhi Jayanti
The soaring spirit of Khadi lovers got better of the Covid-19 fear this Gandhi Jayanti with the Khadi sales figure crossing the Rs 1 crore mark at Delhi’s flagship Khadi India outlet in Connaught Place. On Friday , the overall sales of Khadi was recorded at Rs 1,02,19,496, which is significantly high given the prevailing Corona pandemic situation. Last year, the total sale at Khadi’s CP outlet on October 2, stood at Rs 1.27 crore.
As many as 1633 bills were generated throughout the day with an average purchase of Rs 6258 per bill. Customers belonging to different segments and age-groups queued at the Khadi India outlet since morning. Notably, Khadi and Village Industries Commission  has also launched its customary annual special 20% discount on all products to celebrate 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena attributed the massive sale figures to the frequent appeals of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to buy Khadi and also its growing popularity among masses particularly the youth. “Despite the Corona pandemic, a large number of people still came out to buy Khadi which is a result of the repeated appeals of the Hon’ble PM. Khadi has become a household name and the number of Khadi lovers is constantly growing. And despite a manifold increase in production, KVIC has ensured highest quality of its product range that has kept our consumer base intact,” Saxena said. He added although the sale figure this year fell just short of the last year’s mark because of the pandemic, the over Rs 1 crore single-day sale figure was still quite satisfactory.
The high sale figure of Khadi this year assumes greater significance. While almost all activities were closed during the Covid-19 lockdown, KVIC continued with its diverse activities across the country that includes the manufacturing of face masks and personal hygiene products like hand wash and hand sanitizers apart from a vast range of fabric and village industries products.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Goyal addresses students at cultural function, ‘India@75: Dholavira to Narendra Modi’
Shri Goyal exhorts students to accept challenges of future, set big goals, strive to make India a developed nation in Amrit Kaal
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal today called upon the youth to contribute towards making India a prosperous and developed nation and a country where prosperity reaches to each and every citizen. He urged them to accept challenges of the future and set for themselves 'BHAG' or Big Hairy Audacious Goals and work towards achieving them. Shri Goyal was addressing a cultural festival, ‘India@75: Dholavira to Narendra Modi’, held at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.
The next 25 years, Amrit Kaal, Minister said, are going to be the defining feature of India’s evolution as a developed nation. He said that the 75 years of India as an independent nation have helped create a foundation, the fruits of which each one of us will enjoy in the coming years. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we got here, where we see ourselves in future, he said.
Shri Goyal observed that the theme of today’s event, India@75 - Dholavira to Narendra Modi, reminds us that India has a rich legacy of thousands of years. He added that India is the mother of democracy and it was practised thousands of years ago in our country. The rich heritage we have all inherited, has remained with us and will help us in the next 25 years as we prepare to celebrate India @100, added.
Describing students as the future of New India, Shri Goyal exhorted them to believe in themselves, believe in our country, believe in all that is good and change all that is not good. Together all of us can make a difference to the future of India and we will script India's future together, he added. Lauding the New Education Policy, Shri Goyal urged students to develop scientific temper & become innovators and entrepreneurs.
Shri Goyal said in the last 8 years under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, the Government has catered to all the essential needs of every single household in the country. In this context he spoke about the government's initiatives of providing pukka homes, ensuring electricity, cooking gas connections, health, sanitation, financial inclusion and other such initiatives.
In the cultural programme, young students presented the story of our country from Indus Valley Civilization to the present through vocal music, dance, theatre, martial art, and multimedia projection.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 1.04 kg Cocaine worth over Rs 10.4 crore
Continuing its fight against drug menace in the country, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  has recovered 1.04 kg of cocaine, estimated to be valued at over Rs 10.4 crore in the international illicit market, from an import consignment.
A specific intelligence was developed by DRI that certain consignments imported from Ecuador were likely to contain narcotic drugs. Bill of entry for import was not filed for the consignment. The consignment, declared to contain ‘Teak Rough Square Logs’ having gross weight of 220.63 MT, which had been imported at Mundra port from Ecuador, was identified for detailed examination.
During examination, one packet was found tightly wrapped in one of the containers. Sample was drawn from the suspected packet and test was conducted. The test confirmed the presence of cocaine in the packet.
Further investigation is in progress.
CB/GP/JD
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Special Service and Features
Y20 Brainstorming Session on ‘Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation, and 21st Century Skills’ to be held in Kozhikode tomorrow
(Kozhikode: July 4, 2023
Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports, in association with Malabar Chamber of Commerce and Research and Information System for Developing Countries  New Delhi is organising a Y20 Brainstorming Session on the theme Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation, and 21st Century Skills . The session will take place in Kozhikode on 5 July 2023 at Manuelsons Malabar Palace, Kozhikode. The Youth 20  is the official youth engagement group of the G20.
The session will serve as a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss various aspects related to the challenges that technology poses for the future of work in India. It will also deliberate on the efforts required to create a workforce that is future-ready. The session will feature interactive panel discussions, expert presentations, and workshops focused on the following key topics:
• Changing nature of jobs and Skill demand in India
• Efforts required to build future ready workforce
• Challenges and opportunities of Growing Gig Economy
• Catalysing the Start-Up Ecosystem
• Promoting Cross Border Innovation
The Y20 Brainstorming Session will provide a platform for participants, including youth from diverse segments and fields, such as education, health, startup, industry, technology, and other professions, to deliberate on the future of work and strategize the most effective use of cutting-edge technologies for the development of the region.
The outcomes of the session will be compiled into a comprehensive report that will be presented to the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports through a Rappaoteuring report.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Inaugurated “Hunar Haat” at India International Trade Fair, New Delhi
Hunar Haat providing market and opportunity to Master Artisans and Craftsmen
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today formally inaugurated “Hunar Haat” at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Which has become a “Credible Brand” for empowerment of artisans and craftsmen. This “Hunar Haat” is being organised from 14th November to 27th November, 2018 at IITF, Pragati Maidan.
“Hunar Haat” at Pragati Maidan, is a part of series of “Hunar Haat”, being organised in various parts of the country under a mission to provide market and employment opportunities to master artisans and craftsmen.
On this occasion Shri Naqvi said that “Hunar Haat” has proved to be “Empowerment & Employment Exchange” for master artisans and craftsmen. He said that master artisans, including a large number of women artisans, from across the country are participating in this “Hunar Haat”. The artisans have brought with them very exquisite pieces of Handicraft & Handloom work products like Ajarakh, Bagh print, Bandhej, Barmer Ajrakh & Applique, Bidriware, Cane and Bamboo, Carpet, Chanderi, Chaniya Choli, Chikankari, Copper Bell Product, Copperware, Ceramic Products, Dry Flowers, Gota Pati, Handloom & Home Furnishings from every corner of the country. Products such as Jute Craft, Lac stone studded Bangles, Lacquer ware, Linen Products, Metalware, Mudwork, Mulberry Silk, Paithani Silk, Phulkari, Punjabi Jutti, Zari Bags, etc are also available. For the first time, products from Chhattisgarh and Namda & Chinnon Silk of Jammu & Kashmir are also available in this “Hunar Haat”.
Shri Naqvi said that the employment oriented programmes of the Central Government like “Hunar Haat” has significantly encouraged and promoted the rich traditional heritage of master artisans which had been marginalised for a long time. The Minister said that “Hunar Haat” has become a “credible brand” to fulfil Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to “Make in India”, “Stand up India”, “Start up India”. During the last one year, “Hunar Haat”, organised at various parts of the country, has been successful in providing employment and employment opportunities to more than 1 lakh 50 thousand artisans and other people associated with them. The target is to provide employment and employment opportunities to about 5 lakh people of the country through “Hunar Haat”.
Shri Naqvi said that “Hunar Haat” has significantly encouraged and promoted the rich traditional heritage of master artisans. “Hunar Haat” has been successful in providing national and international markets and employment-employment opportunities to master artisans and craftsmen.
Earlier, “Hunar Haat” had been organised at Allahabad , Pragati Maidan  and Baba Kharak Singh Marg  at New Delhi; Puducherry  and Mumbai . In the coming days, “Hunar Haat” will be organised at Mumbai , Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi  and Goa .
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Under the Central Vista Development/ Re-development Master Plan, only 4 projects are being implemented, as on date
Under the Central Vista Development/ Re-development Master Plan, only 4 projects viz. construction of New Parliament Building, Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue, construction of Common Central Secretariat Buildings 1,2&3 and construction of Vice President Residence are being implemented, as on date. The details are as follows:
|
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Name of the Project
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Estimated cost

|
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Amount incurred so far 
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Estimated to be completed by
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Physical progress
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New Parliament Building
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971
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340.58
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October 2022
|
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35%
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Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue
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608
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190.76
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December 2021
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60%
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Common Central Secretariat Buildings-1,2&3
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3,690
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7.85
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|
November 2023
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Mobilization of resources and site preparation is in progress
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Vice President Residence
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208.48
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|
15
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|
November 2022
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|
Mobilization of resources and site preparation is in progress
₹1,289 cr has been allocated for the works of Development/Re-development of Central Vista in the ongoing FY 2021-22.
Quality-cum-cost based method of bidding has not been adopted for construction of the New Parliament Building or for other buildings in the Central Vista. Quality- cum-cost based method for bidding has been adopted only for engagement of consultant for comprehensive architecture and engineering planning for development/ redevelopment of Central Vista.
The ongoing works at the Central Vista have provided direct livelihood opportunities to more than 10,000 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers on site and off site and generated more than 24.12 lakh man days of employment. In addition, substantial employment in manufacturing and transportation of cement, steel and other building materials have been provided. These works of Development/ Re-development of Central Vista will
contribute to the economy of the country and will help realize our resolve for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. There is no link between the works of Central Vista Development/Re-development with the MPLADS scheme. Separately, the Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on November 10, 2021, has restored MPLAD Scheme  for the remaining part of the Financial Year  2021-22 and itscontinuationfrom FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 with an outlay of ₹17,417 cr.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Parliamentary Standing Committee invites suggestions on Industrial Relations Code, 2019 and code on Social Security, 2019
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
‘The Industrial Relations Code, 2019’ and ‘The Code on Social Security, 2019’, as introduced in Lok Sabha have been referred by the Speaker to the Standing Committee on Labour headed by Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP for examination and report. The committee have decided to invite memoranda containing views/suggestions separately on each Code from the public in general and NGOs/ Experts/ Stakeholders and Institutions in particular.
The procedure for submitting written memoranda/suggestions and tendering oral evidence before the committee can be seen at our website www.loksabha.nic.in under link ‘Committees’→ Press Release.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan dedicates the 8th producing Basin of India - Bengal Basin, to the nation
Bolstering efforts to meet one of the vital essentials- the energy need for AtmaNirbhar Bharat, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel today dedicated the Bengal Basin, the 8th producing basin of India, to the nation.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, while dedicating the Asokenagar discovery to the nation, said that the discovery would play a role for India’s energy security. He stated that the discovery would definitely add to our commitment towards Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for reducing oil import dependence. Shri Pradhan congratulated ONGC and said that with this discovery, around seven decades of relentless endeavours by scientists and engineers of India have borne fruits, giving a new hope for robust development of West Bengal. Bengal Basin finally looks set to find a place on the oil & gas map of the world, he added.
The Minister said that the Indian government is committed to fully support ONGC to make this a turning point in its strive to bring more oil and gas from subsurface of West Bengal and help to bring new phase of prosperity for the state and its people along-with local employment. He further added that the formal dedication of production site to the nation today marks this as a moment of national pride and a gift from soil of West Bengal to India.
ONGC took a major step by commencing oil production from the well Asokenagar-1, Bengal Basin in 24 Paragana district. The well Asoknagar-1 was completed as an oil producer under Early-Monetization Plan issued by Government of India. This makes ONGC having discovered and put to production seven out of the eight producing basins of India covering 83 percent of established oil & gas reserves. ONGC is India’s largest oil and gas producer contributing 72 percent of the country’s hydrocarbon production.
The well Asokenagar-1 has heralded the end of painstaking search for hydrocarbons in the region by ONGC by sending its first hydrocarbon consignment produced during well testing to IOCL’s Haldia Oil Refinery done earlier on 5 November 2020.
Shri Pradhan was accompanied by Shri Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Shri Shashi Shanker, CMD, ONGC and Directors of ONGC during the event held at the production site of Asokenagar, around 50 Km from state capital Kolkata. Shri Pradhan commenced the formal production of oil by switching on the Sucker Rod Pump  amidst a select gathering of senior officials, following Covid protocols. He also visited the geophysical party camp and witnessed the seismic data collection being done for appraisal program of Asokenagar block.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
World AIDS Day observed at Paradip Port Trust
The World AIDS Day was observed at Paradip Port Trust  Hospital with the theme “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice”. On this occasion, a walkathon was organised to create awareness about AIDS among the denizens of the Port township. Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh flagged off an Awareness Walkathon. Doctors, paramedical staff of the PPT Hospital along with HoDs of the PPT, CISF personnel, Volunteers of Paradip Sakshyrata Samiti, volunteers of NGOs  working on AIDS, and general public participated with enthusiasm. All the participants wore symbolic red ribbon to commemorate the occasion.
An AIDS screening camp was also organised in association with CASD/IRDMS, wherein 56 people were screened. The test kits were provided by OSACS. PPT Hospital regularly screens for HIV/AIDS as an obligation under the MOU, "Mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS at Major Ports" signed with NACO, MoHFW.
The World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. Each year, organizations and individuals across the world to draw attention of all to the AIDS epidemic, in an endeavor to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and knowledge, speak out against ADIS stigma, and call for an increased response to move toward ending the AIDS Epidemic.